Discover the most exciting summer music that will take place in the UK this summer

As we enter the most exciting season of the year, Summer, it's time to fill your diaries with dates for the best summer UK events. The UK transforms into a vibrant destination during summer, boasting a high entertainment offer. Rooftops and outdoor cinemas open doors to the public eager for a cold drink and some sunshine, but the most thrilling events are undoubtedly the music festivals.

At St. Pancras International, we are privileged to be based in a strategic location, just a stone's throw from where the best UK summer festivals will be held. The best part is that these festivals are easily accessible by train. At St. Pancras, we have everything ready for travellers wanting to get the most out of the season, and here are our top recommendations.

Summer Festivals in Kent

Kent is an enchanting area with unlimited yearly offerings, especially in summer. If you want music events near London, here's your sign to visit Kent.

Rochester

With its stunning castle and surrounding historic area, Rochester provides an incomparable venue to enjoy music concerts. These festivals offer a mix of genres and activities, making them perfect for a day out. 

Uptown Festival at Rochester Castle

This unique event combines music with history, creating an immersive cultural experience. Embrace the rebellious energy of The Libertines, groove to the funk-driven rhythms of Nile Rodgers and Chic and witness performances from the Sugarbabes, Fat Freddy's Drop, and UB40, making it a celebration of music's enduring legacy. 

Rochester Castle offers numerous music festivals during the summer, such as the Downtown Festival (July 5) and Superboxx Festival (July 6). 

How to get to Rochester: Reach Rochester by direct train from St. Pancras via the Southeastern train to Ramsgate in just 27 minutes. 


Want to know more about the area of Kent? Visit our destination guide.

Margate 

This vibrant summer location is enriched with one of the most visited summer events in England, the Dreamland Festival Margate.  

From May to September, the Dreamland Park Margate becomes a venue filled with art installations. The Roller Room is open for retro roller disco lovers and of course home to the most exciting music events. This is not just a festival but four months of rides, music and enjoyment in one of the oldest surviving amusement parks in Great Britain.

Interested? Find out more here

Another summer music event you can’t miss is the Margate Soul Festival, which offers a mix of live performances, DJ sets, and a fantastic atmosphere at the iconic sandy beach of Margate. The festival takes place from August 2nd - 4th 2024 at Newgate Lower Promenade beneath the iconic Lido sign, a new Eco-focus location.

How to get to Margate from London: Margate is 1 hour 30 minutes from St Pancras International via Southeastern Railway 

Planning to visit Margate this summer? Browse our Kent guide.

Maidstone

Mote Park Maidstone gained prominence in music after hosting the BBC Radio One Big Weekend in 2008. Since then, Mote Park has become a popular venue for large music festivals such as the Music Festival Mote Park Maidstone, beer festivals, food festivals, and charity fundraisers. This versatile park offers events catering to various tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We encourage you to explore and find your favourite events at this vibrant location, from May to September.

An alternative to Mote Park is the Blue Reef Festival, an event designed to offer a full day of fun and entertainment for families, friends, and music lovers alike. Whether you're there for the tunes, the food, or the vibrant atmosphere of Loddington Farm, it promises to be a highlight.

When: July 26-27 2024

Where: Loddington Farm, Linton, Maidstone

How to get to Maidstone from London: The fastest train journey from London S.t Pancras International to Maidstone West is 52 minutes via Southeastern.

Events in London this Summer

London’s festival scene is a testament to its cultural richness and dynamic spirit. Each event is a concert and an immersive experience that celebrates the city’s love for music, making London a must-visit for festival-goers.

If you're looking for music events filled with food, drinks, and a great atmosphere, all easily accessible from London St. Pancras, you might be interested in the following London summer events.

Wireless Festival

Wireless is one of London's biggest urban music festivals, featuring hip-hop, R&B, and grime artists. This year's lineup includes Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, 21 Savage, and Future, promising a weekend full of high-energy performances​.

Date: July 12-14, 2024
Location: Finsbury Park

BST Hyde Park 2024

BST Hyde Park, presented by American Express, is a multi-day festival featuring top-tier artists like Kings of Leon, Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Shania Twain, and Kylie Minogue. It's a must-attend event in one of London's most iconic parks.​

Date: June 29 - July 14 2024
Location: Hyde Park

All Points East 2024

All Points East offers a stellar selection of artists across various genres. This year's headliners include LCD Soundsystem, Nas, Pixies, and Jai Paul. The festival is known for its eclectic mix and vibrant atmosphere​.

Date: August 17-25 2024
Location: Victoria Park